Level 4

올려다보다

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Usage

The verb '올려다보다' means 'to look up' or 'to gaze upward.' It is commonly used when someone directs their eyes toward something above them, such as the sky, a tall building, or an object overhead.

Common Contexts

This verb is often used in everyday conversation to describe physically looking upward, especially when admiring or searching for something. It can express wonder, curiosity, or attention to something above.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 올려다보다 하늘 (look up at the sky): used when observing the sky or celestial objects.
  • 올려다보다 건물 (look up at a building): used when noticing tall structures.
  • 올려다보다 사람 (look up at a person): can imply respect or admiration when looking up to someone taller or in a higher position.

Register and Politeness

'올려다보다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a standard verb without honorific forms.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '올려다보다' with '쳐다보다,' which can mean 'to glare' or 'to stare' with a negative nuance. '올려다보다' is neutral or positive, focusing on the direction of gaze rather than the manner.

Example Sentences

밤하늘을 올려다보니 별이 반짝이고 있었다.

Bam-haneureul olryeodaboni byeori banjjagigo isseotda.

When I looked up at the night sky, the stars were twinkling.

그는 높은 빌딩을 올려다보며 감탄했다.

Geuneun nopeun bildingeul olryeodabomyeo gamtanhaetda.

He looked up at the tall building and admired it.

아이들이 하늘을 올려다보며 비행기를 찾고 있었다.

Aideuri haneureul olryeodabomyeo bihaenggireul chatgo isseotda.

The children were looking up at the sky searching for an airplane.